Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Baker City, as it serves as an essential gauge of the sun's intensity and potential risk for skin health. With an average climate classified as Csb—characterized by mild summers but significant UV exposure—awareness of daily UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and protect against long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly around noon when the UV Index can reach a high of 10, it's imperative to take precautions, ensuring that you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while minimizing risks associated with UV radiation.
The UV Index today showcases a dynamic sun activity that peaks dramatically as the day unfolds. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, it swiftly climbs to 10 by 13:00, marking the sun's most intense rays during midday. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 16:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00 as the sun begins to wane. This rhythm underscores the importance of sun safety: ensure protection during peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV index is at its highest! Enjoy the sunshine, but don't forget your sunscreen!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal changes in UV levels indicate a significant increase in sun exposure from early spring through summer. January and February experience moderate UV Index levels of 3 and 5, respectively, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, starting in March, the index rises to 6, marking the beginning of high-risk months, which peak in April with a very high index of 9, and continue to escalate to an extreme level of 11 in June. July and August maintain a very high index of 10, while September slightly decreases to 8. As temperatures cool in October through December, UV levels drop back to moderate and low categories, with a burn time of 30 minutes in October and November, and 45 minutes in December. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April through September, using sun protection measures like sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to minimize skin damage and reduce the risk of sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Baker City | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |